Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, enveloped by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s giggles on Halloween, the rustle of leaves beneath your feet on a brisk autumn day, the relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Missing out on these sounds can take the joy out of the season. Luckily, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be temporary and triggered by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Follow these guidelines to protect your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause temporary hearing loss, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can develop into a permanent condition. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the issue.
A single, very loud noise like an explosion can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
The noise level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens are a much louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a danger to your hearing. Be cautious when increasing the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights of autumn are outdoor gatherings and performances. The weather is still lovely, and you may find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and lay down a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
So what can you do?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with less possible damage to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
It is essential to protect your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes more powerful. Make sure that you and your family have on ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them as well. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they result in inflammation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which might be a warning of an underlying medical condition, poses risks to your health.
Safely clean out earwax
That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the essential function of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is key to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent years reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Using cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, possibly resulting in a buildup and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip your head to let them drain. Consider getting in touch with an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have special tools to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines could be to blame
An abbrupt decrease in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription might be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can cause problems with hearing. If this is an issue for you, contact your doctor right away and inquire whether you should continue taking your medications.
Remember, any changes in your hearing should get assessed immediately.
If you’re detecting a decrease in your hearing this season, consider speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.